Can I Afford to Live in Houston vs Nashville on $100K?

Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Houston, TX
$6,321/mo take-home
Rent: $1,350/mo (21% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Nashville, TN
$6,321/mo take-home
Rent: $1,800/mo (28% of take-home)
Manageable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Houston
TX
Nashville
TN
Monthly take-home (est.)
$6,321Best ✓
$6,321
1BR rent
$1,350Best ✓
$1,800
Groceries (est.)
$357Best ✓
$365
Transport (est.)
$90
$70Best ✓
Utilities
$175
$170Best ✓
Internet
$65
$60Best ✓
Left after essentials
$4,284/month
$3,856/month
Both Houston and Nashville have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $100K a good salary in Houston?

At $100K/year in Houston, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $1,350/month, rent takes up 21% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $100K a good salary in Nashville?

At $100K/year in Nashville, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $1,800/month, rent takes up 28% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?

Houston leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,284/month vs $3,856/month in Nashville.

Can I afford to live alone in Houston on $100K?

Yes. At $100K in Houston, rent takes 21% of your take-home, leaving $4,284/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Houston vs Nashville

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only